Category: Decks

Great Lighting Ideas That Can Transform Any Deck

Deck Lighting by Regan Total Construction

If you’ve recently wondered to yourself, “Why have I seen more deck renovations near me lately?” you’re definitely not alone.

Many homeowners are catching onto a new trend sweeping the residential world by storm. Deck contractors are having trouble keeping up with all of the business that’s been flooding in as more and more homeowners are looking to update their backyard.

For decades, decks have served as the central piece of architecture for the backyard area. Whether you’re into grilling or just enjoy sitting outside and enjoying the fresh air, a deck is the perfect hosting area. Perhaps one of the most transformational yet simplest changes deck contractors can make to your backyard is with deck lights. Deck lighting can make your backyard space more inviting, warm, and safe. It extends the amount of time you can spend outside while acting as a guiding light as well.

If you’ve been thinking about some ways to incorporate deck lighting into your backyard space, it’s time to take it up a notch. With a custom deck company, you have more freedom to be creative. These professionals have the expertise and tools needed to bring your dreams to reality. To help kickstart the creative process, let’s take a look at some of the best deck lighting ideas.

deck lighting, stairs, recessed

Deck Stair Lighting

Whether your deck is just a few feet off the ground or it descends from the top level of your home, it can be difficult to use stairs when lighting isn’t sufficient. Since nobody wants to be barred from using their deck when the sun goes down, deck stair lighting is a great option. Deck contractors have been installing these lights for decades as one of the most popular deck lighting options. They’re great for providing light to help guests step more carefully while also adding a nice aesthetic touch.
String Lighting

Every December, homeowners eagerly break out their Christmas lights and let loose. A quick drive down the street will reveal lights draped over trees, hanging from rooftops, and even wrapped around some decks. Instead of waiting each year, why not make it a norm to have LED lights around your deck? Hanging string lights is a great way to create a relaxing atmosphere. If you want to make it a little more festive, a custom deck company can easily throw in a pop of color to the lights. This popular outdoor decor item isn’t going away any time soon, so you might as well jump aboard and enjoy a deck with hanging lights.

Under-Table Lights

All deck contractors will tell you just how empty a deck can feel without furniture. Tables, chairs, benches, storage units, and even the occasional hammock if you’re lucky, make the space more inviting and help facilitate meaningful interactions. However, as the sunlight goes down in the evening, you’ll want some light to help everybody see what’s going on. While standard deck lighting overhead works great, something more immediate is also handy. That’s why an under-table light is a great addition to your new deck design.

Recessed Lighting

If you’ve invested in a deck with some sort of overhead protection, you can take advantage of this design with recessed lighting. Instead of being exposed to the elements, this lighting is protected both from damage and debris. This means less cleaning for you and a longer-lasting lighting system. While the recessed lighting helps to illuminate the space, it also adds an ambient effect that’s sure to serve as a great conversation piece. Deck contractors can make sure these subtle lights settle flush with your deck for an even more aesthetic effect.

Post Lights

Deck post lighting by RTC

Most decks are designed with posts that work perfectly for holding lights. These deck cap lights can be applied easily and quickly, limiting the amount of time you have to spend on the renovation. You can have these lights set to a timer to turn on automatically, so you never even have to give it a second thought. In addition to lighting the way to help limit the chances of people slipping on stairs or stepping stones, these deck cap lights also work to give your deck a fancy yet welcoming feeling.

Landscape Lights

landscape lights

Deck contractors often advise homeowners to place some sort of accent around their deck in order to avoid having a harsh contrast between it and the backyard. This can come in the form of a walkway, garden, or even a concrete extension of the deck. Either way, it’s helpful to consider the impact of lighting in this area. It can make the entire area feel much more spacious and inviting while also increasing the amount of usable space as daylight diminishes. Whether you want to use pathway lights, spotlights, or wall lights, there is a variety from which you can choose.

Pergola Lights

Pergola Lights

If your custom deck company installed a pavilion, pergola, or other shade-like structure on your deck, this could be a great place for installing lights. Whether you have these lights weave in and out of your pergola or have them hang down, they’re perfect for accentuating the overall design while providing sufficient lighting.

Deck lighting is an absolute must for homeowners who can’t get enough of their decks. While there are a wide variety of options from which to choose, deck lighting can work to create a more welcoming, aesthetic, functional, and safe backyard space. When searching for the best deck lighting, it’s important to work with only the best deck contractors.

With years of experience perfecting outdoor spaces, Regan Total Construction has the expertise and experience needed to ensure your deck renovations are on par with your expectations. We are a member of NADRA(The North American Deck and Railing Association) and a certified Deck inspector. Our deck contractors know how to transform your unused backyard space into your favorite place in the home. Feel free to contact us to learn more about our services and how we can help.

Filed under: Decks, Trex Outdoor Lighting, Wood Decks

Types of Footings used in deck building

deck footings getting read for deck building project

Getting started with building a new deck can be a daunting task, and there are plenty of details to think about before breaking ground. Of all the factors to consider, perhaps one of the most important is the footing your deck building contractors will be using to support your deck. The last thing you want is to build a beautiful new deck, only to have it be unable to offer the support you need! You want a beautiful deck as well as a deck you know will last for years to come, even with plenty of traffic and heavy use.

Something else to consider is the future plans for your outdoor living space. For example, having your deck may be the first step, but then you may plan on expanding it later by putting a roof over it or making it a screened-in porch. Ensuring you install the correct footing size to support your future plans is essential. Increasing the size of a footing before the deck is built is a simple task with very little increase of expense. However, if you find the support footings you used to build your deck are not strong enough to support a future roof or screened-in porch, then you may find yourself having to work backwards by removing the deck to create space to install the new properly-sized support footings.

Of course, the footing used in the construction of a deck not only affects the construction of the deck but also its overall cost, so it can be a challenge to make a final decision. However, knowing some details about the different types of footings used in deck building can help guide your decision and allow you to make the best choice at the end of the day.

Using Concrete Piers for Your Deck

Concrete piers are a common choice of footing when constructing a new deck, being a simple option able to offer a decent amount of support. With this option, concrete is poured directly into the ground so it can then support the weight of the building on top. Overall it is a good choice, providing a good foundation for decks with the ability to be set up in multiple different configurations. 

There are some issues with using concrete as footing for a deck, though. Concrete can be a much messier option, which is one reason many deck building contractors prefer to avoid it in favor of other options. Additionally, using concrete requires a footing inspection prior to construction, which can slow down the process and make things a bit less efficient. 

Perhaps one of the biggest problems many deck remodeling contractors note is concrete is only truly efficient when used at shallow depths. However, there are numerous issues with using concrete for deeper footings. It can require special equipment, and the excavation can take a lot of time in addition to creating quite a bit of a mess, which can, in turn, take a lot of time to clean up. Added to this are additional issues with soil compaction and erosion capable of weakening concrete footings over time.

While not a bad choice, it’s possible concrete may not be the best option – try speaking with your deck building contractors to determine whether there may be another footing option right for your needs.

Using Helical Pile Footings

When you seek out deck remodeling contractors, you may find many businesses are beginning to use helical pile footings much more often as an alternative to concrete footings. There is a good reason for this. Helical pile footings are made from steel and are driven into the earth in a similar manner to the way screws are driven into wood. One of the benefits of helical piles is their application for building deep foundations. 

Helical pile footings, as opposed to concrete piers, do not need inspections before construction can begin. This is because they come with documents deck building contractors can show proving they are safe and ensuring the footing is ready for the building process to begin. Overall, a footing crafted from helical piles is much stronger than the standard footing made with concrete, which can lead to a much more stable deck with a bearing capacity of 4600-6600 pounds. 

Does My Soil Change the Kind of Footing I Need?

When building a deck, people should also remember the soil around their property can play a role in the type of footing they may need to choose. A deck does not simply sit on top of their soil. The footing of their deck will be buried partially within the earth, and different types of footing will function differently within different types of soil. 

This is another factor that can make concrete piles a challenge to use as deck footing. If the soil is unstable in the area where a deck is being built, special adjustments must be made if concrete piers are being used. For example, the concrete will need to be reinforced with a system of steel cages and other stabilizing materials to prevent issues such as shifting and to stop any impact on the surrounding environment. However, helical pile systems can be used within a range of soil conditions and are even capable of use in areas with high water tables. 

What if I Need to Renovate or Replace My Deck?

Another factor many people may consider when choosing their footing while building a deck is how easy it will be to make any changes to the footing in the future if necessary. From adding on to it to removing it entirely, there are various reasons an individual may want to work with deck remodeling contractors in the future, but having the right footing is a must if an individual chooses to do so. Among the many issues with concrete as a footing is the difficulty in removing it due to the way it is initially installed. However, not only are helical pile systems easy to move if necessary, but they can even be reused, adding to their convenience. 

There is no universal choice when it comes to the best type of footing for a deck. However, if you are working with the best deck company in your area, they will take the time to examine the area where your deck is being built. They should take into account factors such as your soil and how deeply the footing will need to be buried into the earth. These details can help them determine the type of footing best suited for your deck building project and ensure you end up with a deck that is not only beautiful but one you know will last a lifetime. 

If you’re ready to get started on your deck building project, you can find the best deck company in your area by contacting our team at Regan Total Construction today!

Filed under: Decks

Building Decks in Winter Time

picture of a deck in winter a snowy scene. Regan total construction can build decks in the winter

 Why Building Your New Deck In The Winter Is Ideal

A common misconception homeowners have is they should wait until the spring to install a new deck or replace their existing one. However, while spring is one of the most popular times of the year when decks are built, deck contractors welcome the idea of taking on a winter deck building project. And when you have your deck completed in the winter, it will be ready for you to enjoy when the temperatures begin warming, rather than having to wait until the heat of the summer to use it. 

An outdoor deck can significantly enhance your space, and it can be customized to fit all of your needs and interests. Winter isn’t usually the ideal time to be spending on your outdoor deck, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get it built and ready to go ahead of time, so it’s ready to use when temperatures are more comfortable outside. Here are some of the many reasons why the fall and winter months are ideal for having a custom deck company build your outdoor deck.

Lower Materials And Labor Costs

Deck contractors often purchase materials from wholesale vendors rather than retail stores. Most retail stores won’t drop prices on deck building materials, but wholesale vendors do. As a result, the cost of the materials will be lower for the deck contractors to purchase, and the best contractors will pass those savings along to the homeowner, or at least split the savings with them. Savings on materials can be significant and hard to beat when you don’t have to sacrifice quality.

A custom deck company may also offer cheaper labor costs in the winter since it’s their slowest season of the year. With harsh winter weather that can occur at any time, homeowners often don’t think about having their deck built. Deck companies may entice homeowners by offering lower labor costs so they can have a project to work on and complete by the end of the year.

Quicker Response Times From Contractors

Another benefit of having a deck built during the winter is deck contractors are typically more readily available. Without multiple projects in progress at the same time, they can focus more attention on your project and answer all questions you may have. Sometimes you can get lucky and be the only project a particular deck company has at the time, so the deck could be built in a matter of several days or a couple of weeks. This doesn’t mean the quality of labor or workmanship will be lower, but when a team can dedicate their full attention to your project, it can get completed much more quickly. And sometimes, the biggest issue that creates delays is getting necessary building permits. With not as many projects potentially going on in your country, you or your contractor might be able to obtain permits quickly so the project can begin as soon as possible.

Wood Reacts To Cold Weather Better Than Hot Temperatures

wooden deck built in winter doesnt warp

Deck contractors can also be more efficient with the deck installation when they work during cooler temperatures. When decks are installed in the summer, the wood contracts and expands easily, which leads to warping and cracking. It’s not uncommon to see certain boards look much different from one day to the next when a deck is built during the summer. Of course, the best deck contractors will fix these issues to ensure the final product is exactly what you desire, but the duration of the project could be longer due to these problems. During the winter, though, these issues aren’t present. With the dry air in the environment, the wood can stabilize faster and dry evenly, so the chances of warping or cracking are much lower. 

Staining Your Deck Is More Effective In The Winter

While it may not be possible to stain your new deck if you just had a strong winter storm or if one is expected, the winter is typically the ideal time to add stain. During the humidity of the summer, the wood could absorb the moisture and crack or peel. When this happens, the stain won’t absorb into the wood as easily and won’t be as effective functionally or aesthetically. Again, these types of problems aren’t present in the winter, and you can have a more effective treatment with the stain since the temperatures are cooler and the air is dryer.

Be Ready To Enjoy Your Deck In The Spring

You likely won’t be using your outdoor deck much during the winter months anyway, so why not use that inactive time to have your deck built? It requires a little thinking ahead and planning for how you want it to look in the spring, but the benefit is it’s ready to be used when the temperatures warm up. Plus, spring is the busiest season for most deck contractors, so unless you can schedule your project early, you may not be able to enjoy it until the middle of spring or later. Take the wintertime to build the outdoor deck you’ve always wanted, purchase your furniture and other items ahead of time, and it will be ready to use as soon as it’s warm enough to spend time outside.

If you do an online search for “deck designers and builders near me,” you’ll likely end up with a lot of results. An outdoor deck is a great investment for a home as it provides a welcoming environment for your family and friends, as well as boost the value of your home. However, choosing the cheapest custom deck company to complete the project isn’t always the best option. At Regan Total Construction, we offer competitive pricing and high-quality materials and workmanship so you can enjoy your outdoor deck for years to come. We install custom decks year-round and are ready and able to start on your project as soon as possible. Now is the time to start thinking about your outdoor deck, so contact us today to see some samples of our work and receive a full, detailed quote.

Filed under: Decks, Pool Decks, Wood DecksTagged with: ,

Enhance Your Outdoor Living Space With A Deck Kitchen

The outdoor living space of a home often gets overlooked in favor of home interior upgrades. However, not only does the outdoor living environment offer high-quality living, but it can also significantly add home value as more people want to spend time outdoors at their homes. One of the most popular ways to enjoy an outdoor living space is by incorporating a deck kitchen. If you have an old deck you rarely use, consider speaking with reputable outdoor deck contractors to see what options you have for deck kitchens. 

The great thing about a deck kitchen is you can make it as simple or luxurious as your budget allows. Some homeowners choose to design their deck where a barbecue pit or other appliances can be easily removed when not being used for cooking, while others want a more permanent deck kitchen with all the amenities. It’s important to provide deck building contractors with a clear view of your vision so they can turn it into a reality. Here are some great ideas you may wish to incorporate in your outdoor kitchen while significantly enhancing your outdoor living space.

Design Your Deck Kitchen Layout And Location

Start by thinking about exactly how you’ll use the outdoor space. Everything from the floor layout to the materials you want to use is important, and you may consider asking an outdoor deck contractor for some advice in these areas. While marble and tile flooring may look great, they might not be the most ideal options for outdoor kitchen spaces since they can get slippery when wet. Most homeowners opt for an open concept with the layout, depending on the amount of space in their yard. Safety should be a top concern when designing the layout, especially if you have children who will be running around frequently.

The location of your deck kitchen should get strong consideration as well. While it may be convenient to have everything located right outside your back doorstep, think about the typical wind patterns and whether smoke from the grill will be entering the home as a result. You will generally want your grill and other cooking appliances to be positioned in areas where people won’t be walking or playing as frequently so that accidents are less likely. Consider the aesthetics and the views from inside the house as well, so you won’t compromise either of those aspects of your living space. The deck building contractors you work with can help you think about these different factors as well.

Consider The Appliances You Will Need

When you search for “deck renovations near me,” you’ll see an abundance of options other people have incorporated into their deck kitchen. You can get as creative as you want with your kitchen, including any combination of a gas grill, stovetop, refrigerator, freezer, sink, and anything else you can think of you’ll use. Just consider what you will use most often and how much space those appliances will require, while still leaving enough living space for you and your family to enjoy. The deck building contractors you work with can handle the details and dimensions, so you know exactly what to expect.

Storage And Countertop Space Is Important

One of the mistakes people make when designing their outdoor kitchen is not considering the amount of storage and countertop space they need. It’s inconvenient to have to bring out additional tables to help you prepare food. Many outdoor cooking tools and utensils should easily be stored in the kitchen space for convenience. Your outdoor deck kitchen’s goal should be to have most everything you need readily available so you won’t have to go back-and-forth inside the house to get the necessary items. There may be some things you need from inside, but with the right amount of storage and countertop space, you can be prepared and have everything you need outside throughout your cook time.

Create A Relaxing Environment With Outdoor Ambiance

It’s simple enough to hang some string lights around your outdoor deck kitchen to add some elegance, but you can also take outdoor ambiance a step further when working with experienced outdoor deck contractors. You can add anything from small fountains to built-in lighting and even outdoor fireplaces and television spaces. These features are nice to have if you plan to use the outdoor deck kitchen in the evening hours or simply want to sit outside and enjoy some relaxation in the evening. You don’t have to host events to enjoy outdoor living, so you can be as creative as you want when designing your deck kitchen with just the right amount of ambiance. Just let your outdoor deck contractors know what you want to achieve, and they can also provide some great ideas.

Incorporate Comfort And Safety For A Relaxing Outdoor Experience

When you work with experienced deck building contractors, an outdoor kitchen can be used year-round wherever you live. Consider the climate where you live to create the ultimate outdoor living experience. This may include building a pergola or roof over the kitchen space so you can still use it when it’s raining, snowing, or even during the extreme summer heat. For warm climates, you can have overhead fans or misting systems installed to increase the comfort level. For cold climates, fire pits, heat lamps, and other devices can make outdoor living comfortable even in the winter months. And if bugs and pests are problematic in your area, you can incorporate permanent or temporary netting so you can sit comfortably while enjoying your outdoor space.

Regan Total Construction has specialized in residential construction projects for more than 20 years. We see ourselves as more than just outdoor deck contractors. We put forth a full and genuine effort to create the exact outdoor living space you desire and treat every outdoor project as if we were doing it for ourselves to enjoy. Whether you have a clear vision of what you want to accomplish with your deck kitchen or if you need help with your vision, our experts can help you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to contact us at any time and see the many different projects we’ve completed over the years to gain some inspiration for your outdoor space.

Filed under: Decks

Building Deck Accessories

Top Deck Accessories You Need for Your Outdoor Space

Have you chosen to work with deck building contractors to install a new outdoor space? If so, you have plenty to think about—but that doesn’t mean you aren’t already dreaming about how you’re going to decorate your new deck or patio once construction is finished. After putting in the time and effort to build a deck, it only makes sense that you would want to choose some outstanding deck accessories so you will be able to enjoy your new deck as much as possible, no matter the weather or the season. With that in mind, these are some of the top deck accessories to consider so you can make the most of your new deck or patio once your deck building contractors get things wrapped up. 

Deck and Patio Umbrellas

There are plenty of reasons to consider an umbrella when choosing deck accessories for your new outdoor space. First and foremost, it can cool things down, giving you and your guests a nice, shady spot to escape from the sun. However, as you shop for umbrellas, it can also be a good idea to scout out waterproof options. This will allow you to continue enjoying your deck even in less-than-perfect weather conditions. When working with a waterproof deck company, you can also be assured that your new deck can withstand rain as well as snow, frost, and other similar conditions. All of this combined gives you more options for enjoying your deck, no matter what mother nature throws at you. 

Potted Plants and Trees

Among the many deck accessories that can add incredible natural beauty to this kind of space are potted plants and trees. Just as there are hundreds, if not thousands of plants and trees to choose from, there are numerous ways to use them to decorate your deck. Smaller plants can be used along railings, while larger potted trees can create a natural screen for a deck. Do remember that potted plants and trees will need watering regularly, in addition to other types of care. This is why it’s essential to have a deck built by a waterproof deck company so it can stand up to plenty of spills or bits of dirt coming loose, among other issues, can be so convenient.

Area Rugs and Tiles

Area rugs are more than just attractive. They also provide a more homey feel, making your deck feel more like another room of the house than just an outdoor space. It is now possible to find area rugs made to be used outdoors. These options are weather-resistant and even more durable, so they can hold up to being left out in the rain, frost, or other inclement conditions without problems such as developing mold or mildew over time. 

Meanwhile, composite tiles can be just as useful and as durable as rugs. The only difference is that they require a little bit of installation, though this is a simple process as the tiles are made up of interlocking pieces that simply fit into place over the top of your deck. These tiles are made up of various types of waterproof materials, and in addition to providing you a comfortable, non-slip surface to walk on, will also provide extra protection for your deck’s surface.

Built-In Grills and Barbeques for Decks

Is there anybody who doesn’t love spending time outside while cooking their favorite foods? There is nothing better than time at the grill for most people, and one of the best accessories for any deck is a grill. There are many different options available for those interested in having a grill on their deck. These include small fire pits, which can be used for cooking as well as for sitting around a small fire and relaxing. You can also find standard-sized portable grills, which can be a good choice for the average deck. However, for many, the best choice is a built-in grill. Those interested in having a grill built into their deck can speak with their deck building contractors about the possibility of having a grill worked into the design of their deck or patio.

Deck Lighting

All too often, people forget that they will be using their deck in the evening and at night as well as during the day. This can lead to a bit of a rush to find quick deck lighting options when someone is preparing for their first party on a new deck. It is far better to consider the type of deck lighting you would like in advance while thinking about all of the deck accessories you would like. There are many different choices available when it comes to deck lighting. While traditional lighting is still available, many more people are now choosing low energy LED lighting and even solar lighting, which is energy-efficient and affordable. Your deck building contractors can often help you find the lighting option most suitable for your deck’s design.

Hopefully, some of these deck accessories have given you a little bit of inspiration, whether you are currently in the process of working with deck building contractors to build a new deck or you’re just thinking about it. There are plenty of great deck accessories available to help you truly make your deck or patio your own, allowing it to feel like an extension of your home where you and your loved ones can feel comfortable rather than just another outdoor space. 

There are many different things that you can do to make your deck stand out from the rest, no matter what you have in mind. This ranges from adding deck accessories to complete renovations of the deck you currently have in your outdoor space. If you would like a little more inspiration, contact our team at Regan Total Construction today to speak with our experienced team of deck building contractors about the vision you have for your deck. 

Filed under: DecksTagged with: , , ,

Common Deck Issues That Are Now Building Code Requirements

Building A New Deck Image of Workers from Regan Total Construction

Building a safe and secure deck

There’s no better way to kick back and relax than on a deck. Unfortunately, too many decks aren’t built the way they need to be and can become damaged or even pose a safety hazard to homeowners due to construction issues. All too often, deck designs are hastily drawn up on napkins or notebook paper. One of the main problems with that is these designs don’t take into account the many building code requirements necessary for constructing a safe and secure deck. If you’re looking to build a safe deck and up to code, here are some tips to consider straight from some of the top deck and porch builders.

Joist Size and Joist Spacing Issues

If you’ve attempted to build a deck yourself, or are working with amateur deck contractors rather than experienced deck and porch builders, one of the main problems you may experience is with your decking joists. Joists are the structural features that make up a deck’s frame. The minimum size joist necessary for a deck will depend on the number of footings as well as the number of beams being installed.

When working on your own, it can be a good idea to look at the materials readily available to you in pressure-treated lumber lengths so you can avoid making special orders, and use this to come up with a decking design. However, the best deck company for the job can craft joists for your deck that meets any special requirements needed, no matter the size of joists required for the deck design, ensuring it is up to code regardless of the situation.

In addition to the size of the joists, the spacing between the joists is also an important consideration, and one that should not be taken lightly. Generally, the spacing between joists will vary depending on a range of factors including the materials used and the size of the joists, making it important to know precisely what you are working with.

Issues With Deck Footing

Having a solid foundation for your deck is critical, and it’s your deck’s footings that provide this foundation and support. A deck’s footings determine the way loads are transferred to different sections of the deck, which is what makes them such a critical component of your deck’s design, and why you should rely on professional deck contractors with the knowledge and experience to build them up to code.

There are various types of deck footings, each offering different advantages. Additionally, building codes in your area may necessitate using different types of footings. Some types of deck footings include poured concrete footings which are strong, stable, and more permanent than other options; buried post footings, which are still stable but are lower in cost than poured concrete; and precast cement, which is easy to install but more expensive.

Your deck and porch builders can work with you to find an option that will offer you a safe and secure deck while also being cost-effective and meeting any other requirements you may have, such as ensuring your deck can hold a large amount of weight.

Deck Railing and Handrails

When building your deck, your deck contractors will begin by making sure that it has a solid foundation and framework. However, there are still further considerations to be made to guarantee that it is safe and code-compliant. Among the many things to seek out when looking for the best deck company is one that will be certain to build a structurally sound railing system for your deck.

All too often, deck railing systems are added on at the last minute in the deck building process, or even overlooked entirely as an unnecessary expenditure. However, deck railings are incredibly important for safety. They can prevent dangerous falls for everyone from children to the elderly. Railing systems are especially important for those who will be installing decks in areas where there is any potential for icy weather conditions, although even simple rainfall can lead a deck’s surface to become more slippery than usual.

In addition to railing systems for the perimeter of the deck, it is also important to think about the handrails that will be needed to go along the deck’s stairs. Stairs are a common source of slips and falls on decks and to be code compliant it is necessary to have a proper handrail system in place to prevent any possible injuries that could occur.

Other Things to Consider

While these are some of the most common things you must consider when building your deck, there are other less common and less well-known deck issues that you may be less aware of. This is where having the help of experienced deck contractors to build your deck can be extremely useful. One of the things that you may encounter when building a deck is the need for solid and level base support beneath stairs. Some options include concrete pads or even properly installed patios. Stair stringers must also have a connection bracket where they can be connected to the deck.

Other things that your deck and porch builders can help you with include design details that can boost the longevity of your new deck. For example, installing flashing tape to the top of your framing, such as the beams, joists, and stair support stringers can extend your deck’s lifespan. This is not expensive nor is it time-consuming to do, and can make a big difference. You may also consider checking out requirements from the manufacturer regarding the installation of their products and suggestions for fasteners and other hardware, which can also preserve longevity.

Are you ready to begin building a deck? If you are, or if you would like to learn more about how you can build a deck that is up to code, you can contact the team at Regan Total Construction. Our qualified deck specialists are ready to answer any questions you may have about this process.

Filed under: Decks